Just wondering if you can put CJ D30 knuckles on TJ D30 tubes? I havn't seen a CJ D30 in a while and unfortunately don't have one in front of me.

For some reason I'm thinking the answer is no but I just wanted to check...

Sure but you will need custom shafts.

Why are you thinking this? You want flat topped D44 outers?

Look at the WJ's outer knuckles, they bolt right up and are begging for high steer plus you ditch the Y steering and can get bigger brakes to boot.

There are some more tricks there too. :cool:

Much less work.

Now that it'll fit here is question two: Does it have the same 3 bolt holes so you could bolt in the TJ bearing assembly?

Yes, I'm looking for flat-top knuckles. I have a custom over the knuckle steering setup that I designed that works just fine. But, for no real reason I want a new one.

I've never looked at the WJ knuckles but planned on stealing the big brakes soon. I prob would have noticed the knuckles then. Good idea, just not too easy to find...

What are your "other tricks?"

Here's my article explaining exactly how i did exactly what you're thinking of

http://billavista.tripod.com/HybridAxle/HybridAxle.html

Billa, great write-up but it actually proves I can't do what I want to do. Sorry, but I did not explain myself well.

I currently have a '78 Bronco HP 44 w/ TJ knuckles. What I was wondering was if I could use just the outer portion of the CJ D30 kunckles on the inner TJ D30 knuckles welded on the tube.

By looking at some of the diagrams I remembered that the ball joints press in oppposite and there is no place for the hub assembly to bolt in. Freak's idea about the WJ outer knuckles makes some sense, I've just never seen them. But he might have been thinking the same thing you were...

I'm done cutting tubes for a while, I'm satisfied w/ the 1/2 ton running gear for now. Just looking for a new steering option.

I can get them but the only place that I know to have them wants $$$$. Go look them over and follow copartfinder.com just watch for a WJ that bent the tubes or is in some other way obviously toasted in the front, then offer on the whole housing.

One of the other tricks with WJ knuckles is running warn's 5 on 5.5" TJ hub conversion and CJ rotors, it keeps you out of the machine shop as they will fit properly.

A guy in Birmingham Alabama has developed high steer arms for the TJ dana 30 front end. His web site is :http://www.xtvengineering.com/ You will probably have to call him as there is no info on his site yet. He is a real good guy to deal with.
Just thought you'd might be interested.

Tom

Thanks, I'll give him a call. I think MORE might make a bolt on knuckle too, havn't checked in a while but I remember reading something about that. Maybe just for CJ's...

OK this is interesting and it answers a question I have for my TJ frontend buildup.

XJ Hi-Pinion Front End with Reverse Cut Gears (I have)
Bolt on the WJ Knuckles (I need. What is average cost?)

Set up the High Steer - Any recommendations on this?

This should give me a few more inches of clearance and be a lot stronger than my current TJ D30 without a significant cost. I am only out a $100 so far and this should be strong enough for 35"-36" tires.

OK what am I missing?

Flame away and let me know.

James

If your happy w/ the 1/4 ton running gear then it dosn't sound like your missing anything. It all depends how much you get those knuckles for.

As I said, I haven't seen them yet so I can't help on the high steer setup. Although, you can just drill out your current knuckles to 5/8" and use 3/4" heims on top of the knuckle. I have found that to be MUCH stronger and significantly higher to stay off the rocks.:D